Consider this my John Cusack moment– please cue Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes”. I’m standing below the window of “small business” (obviously) and holding a boombox over my head. I haven’t given up on us.
I’ve spent the last 12+ years as a part of the small business community. It’s filled with incredibly creative, brilliant, hard working humans. Unfortunately the past couple years have been truly difficult. There are so many factors, including but not limited to: the Covid–19 pandemic (which impacted supply chains, changed demand, bolstered customer support that wasn’t sustainable), the continued rise of online shopping (lookin’ at you Jeff Bezos), the economy (rising costs, inflation, etc., that leave folks with much less expendable income). These have all resulted in a change in customer spending.
So small businesses have been trying to hold on– but it’s really difficult. The blood, sweat, and tears are no joke.
But here’s why I won’t give up:
Small businesses create jobs, can pivot to meet customer needs in a way that large businesses can’t, and give you an opportunity to shop in a way that aligns with your values. For every $100 spent at a local business, approximately $68 remains in the local economy, compared to around $48 for large businesses. I want a community where small businesses and customers support one another and can work to create the world they desire. And my dream world is filled with mutual aid, creativity, and abundance.
But what does this look like when so many of us (myself included) don’t have extra money laying around? I think it can look like being more intentional with spending, when possible.
Ways to support small businesses -
-
Grab your local produce/meat/eggs at a farmer’s market (Also - is there anything better than produce in peak season?! A beautiful watermelon radish, perfectly ripe tomatoes, juicy peaches!! You get the idea…)
-
Enjoy food from mom&pop restaurants / try that restaurant or coffee shop you’ve always wondered about
-
Seek out businesses owned by women, POC, immigrants, LGBTQ+ folks
-
Cut down on Amazon reliance (if you cancel Amazon prime, amazing. But you don’t have to strive for perfection if that’s too overwhelming. Start small and begin cutting back where you can).
-
Buy fewer things so that when you do spend, it’s with small businesses you want to support
-
Plan ahead with gifts, cards, etc. so that you don’t have to rely on a last-minute alternative like (ahem) Target
-
Commission an artist to create work for your home – or for an amazing, personalized gift!
-
Buy books from your local bookstore!! (or head to your local library)
-
Reminder that many services you need - and are already using - give you the opportunity to support small businesses (plumbing, landscaping, painting, nail salons, photographers, CPA’s – the list is endless)
-
Go into a local independent shop. They’re THE BEST. And these brick & mortar shops are *struggling* right now. If you want to have them in your neighborhood/city, they need support!
-
Share social posts, write reviews, and tell your friends when you discover a small business you love. This is a free and incredibly meaningful way to support #smallbiz
There isn’t a perfect way to end this. Small businesses we love will inevitably close. But I personally feel so much more connected and hopeful when I know that my choices can make a difference. Will you join me?!
